Draft plans for Premier Inn, Matlock, revealed

The public had its first glance of draft plans for the Premier Inn in front of Arc Leisure, off Bakewell Road, at a consultation meeting yesterday afternoon (Wednesday).

The event was held by Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, which owns Premier Inn, and the developers anticipated receiving some good feedback from residents about the proposal.

Nick Johnston, acquisitions manager for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said the feedback received would be analysed and used to inform the firm’s plans ahead of a planning application being submitted to Derbyshire Dales District Council.

“Our plans involve building a new Premier Inn, restaurant and customer parking area on the land adjacent to the Arc Leisure Centre,” he added.

“The Premier Inn would represent a £4million investment in the area and will create 25 new jobs.

“The plans will see the site put back into use as a quality and contemporary new hotel, occupied by an experienced operator – adding a valuable asset to Matlock.”

Mercury readers have been giving their suggestions for the development online.

Commenting on Facebook, Anna Hewitt said: “Maybe the Old New Bath building should be used instead of building something new and perfectly good building being left derelict.”

Fee Bennett said: “That bit of land has been annoying me for ages as it’s empty.

“I was hoping for a nice family pub or a corner shop/tea room.”

Matthew Clarke added: “The last thing Matlock needs is a Premier Inn before you hit the town centre.”

Sarah Louise Marsden said: “End of day Matlock needs a complete new revamp and that Premier Inn is the start so think it’s a great idea.”

Ian Nicholson commented: “As usual the town council are short sighted. The Arc was put in the wrong place and don’t get me wrong it is nice having new facilities but they never look to the future by putting it somewhere where there is little room for growth.

“Now they want to build another building in front of the Arc – nice well thought out. Parking can be a nightmare at the arc so everyone will be looking forward to even more cars around.

“Well I guess they can at least save money at the Arc by turning off the outside light at the front, when the next building is complete.”